RICHMOND (Legal Newsline) - Former Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell's lead in the race for governor is increasing as Election Day approaches, a recent poll shows.

A Claru Research Poll released Tuesday shows McDonnell with a 49-41 percent lead over his Democratic challenger, Creigh Deeds, while Repulican Ken Cuccinelli is also holding strong in the race for attorney general.

A September poll showed a 5-percent lead for McDonnell after Deeds attempted to make an issue out of a thesis McDonnell wrote 20 years ago.

"So far in the general election, Deeds has failed to gain sustained momentum," said Ron Faucheux, president of Clarus. "Over the past five weeks, McDonnell has expanded his lead as he's weathered attacks on his record as a social conservative.

"Since our last poll in mid-September, McDonnell has gained 7 points and Deeds has gained 4 points. While anything can happen between now and Election Day, the fundamentals favor McDonnell."

In McDonnell's thesis, he said working women hurt traditional family values and also argued against gay marriage.

The poll shows a 45-44 lead for McDonnell among women voters, with a 14-percent lead among men. Only Northern Virginians, voters under 30 years old and African-Americans prefer Deeds.

McDonnell has seen a strong push from Independent voters and voters in the western part of the state.

Bill Boling should be ready to be re-elected as lieutenant governor, as the poll shows a 42-35 over Democrat Jody Wagner.

Cuccinelli leads Democrat Steve Shannon 41-33 with 26 percent undecided. Cuccinelli is a member of the state Senate, while Shannon serves on the House of Delegates.

Clarus polled 605 Virginia voters. The margin of error is +/- 4 percent.

From Legal Newsline: Reach John O'Brien by e-mail at jobrienwv@gmail.com.